LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – Whether the economy is good or bad, there are people struggling to make ends meet, deciding whether to pay their bills or buy groceries.

Providing food is the mission of the East Texas Food Bank Longview Resource Center.

Dozens of people, many with children, walk through the doors of the resource center every day.

“We have a stocked pantry, people can come here once a week and shop. We got the name resource center because we love providing other resources and wraparound services,” says Amanda Derosia, branch manager.

Mission: Fighting hunger and nurturing hope in East Texas.

“In some ways it helps me with my funds. Like paying bills and buying groceries. This helps me,” says Tatum visitor April Stein.

“We started helping a few hundred people a week. “Last year, we served 1,100 families a week,” says Derosia.

It’s not just food, but benefits, Medicare enrollment, and services they don’t have money for.

Last year, they served 6,600 families and more than 1.1 million meals. And for those who come here, it is a blessing from God.

“It helps me a lot. We are currently homeless living in a tent. It helps nourish us honestly,” says Raiden Carmichael.

“I have a grandson living with me and I have a fixed income. She uses it, the food bank, to help shop for groceries,” says Longview resident Denise Chambers.

People come here every week to buy food and fresh produce that they wouldn’t normally be able to buy from supermarkets.

“The struggle is real. People are having trouble putting food on their tables. Amanda says they have to decide whether to pay the electric bill or buy food.

“It’s very difficult when people can’t feed their children,” Chambers says.

“I’ll buy this meal or pay my bill,” Stein says.

The food bank says food insecurity in Gregg County is 16.7 percent. More than 26 percent of those affected are children.

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